As we dash about here and there, living our lives, we catch glimpses of real life. We desire to engage with color, flavor, enthusiasm, beauty, excitement, energy, passion, community, and love. We were designed for those things.
We find life in a toddler lovingly embracing every person within reach. We see it in children exuberantly dancing to the delight of parents. A kiss. A hug. A stunning performance. An act of kindness. The exaltation of a friend. In these things we see the loving esteem and exaltation of the individual and find joy in their happiness.
Life more abundantly … as in opposed to death or separation more abundantly…
Jesus came to give life. He is the author of community that is centered on goodness and fellowship as opposed to isolation, fear, shame, and hiding. The life that Jesus brings shines through those who believe Him acting with intention, loving those who do not believe Him, for the purpose of bringing other people into the center of His great, great goodness.
I have noticed one thing that is common to all Christians: We were able to believe the message of life only because someone else intentionally made it accessible or known to us.
In the same manner, our labor is centered around inviting Christians to work together with us, intentionally investing time, energy, and resources to tell the message of eternal life to language groups of people who have not yet been told.
Christ’s love compels us. From every tongue, tribe, people, and nation He is building His church, completing His bride, and establishing His community of fellowship; a community of life. Why should we be busy about anything other than His business? What greater thing could we do to invest our talents on this earth than risk it all, by faith in God’s word, for a greater eternal reward?
By this will all men know you are my disciples: love one another.
If any man says he loves God and hates his brother, he is a liar and the truth is not in him.
The first and greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. What does that look like?
I suppose that at least part of the obedience is to intentionally adopt His values: to live in such a way that our neighbors grow to see Him as the greatest treasure; and fellowship with Him and His family is the greatest pleasure.
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6
Lord, help me to see this world through your eyes, through the truth of your word as written in the Bible, so that I may act accordingly.
